Ivan Pace Jr - Vikings Linebacker Profile
Have you ever heard about a football player who wasn't picked in the draft but then went on to make a really big splash? Well, that's pretty much the story of Ivan Pace Jr., a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings. He joined the team in 2023 without being drafted, which is, you know, quite a path to take for someone hoping to play at the highest level of professional football. It’s a tale that often catches people by surprise, seeing how he just came in and started making plays right away.
This young player, born in December 2000, has been making waves since joining the Vikings. His journey from college football, first at Miami (OH) and then at Cincinnati, shows a real dedication to the game. It’s kind of interesting, how some folks get all the attention from the start, and then there are others, like Ivan Pace Jr., who just quietly go about their business, proving what they can do on the field when given the chance. He’s certainly someone who has caught the eye of many people watching the games.
So, if you’re curious about a player who has shown a lot of grit and determination, and who has quickly become a key piece for his team, then Ivan Pace Jr. is definitely someone worth knowing about. We’ll be taking a closer look at his path, his skills, and what he has brought to the Minnesota Vikings, especially as an undrafted player. It's a pretty compelling story, actually, about someone making the most of their big chance.
Table of Contents
- Ivan Pace Jr. - A Quick Look
- Who is Ivan Pace Jr.? - Personal Details
- What Makes Ivan Pace Jr. Stand Out?
- How Did Ivan Pace Jr. Get to the Vikings?
- Ivan Pace Jr.'s College Days - A Journey
- What About Ivan Pace Jr.'s Skills on the Field?
- Ivan Pace Jr. in the NFL - Early Impact
- Looking at Ivan Pace Jr.'s Career Numbers
Ivan Pace Jr. - A Quick Look
Ivan Pace Jr. is a professional football player who currently lines up as a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings. He was born on December 16, 2000, which makes him a fairly young player in the league, still with a lot of football ahead of him, you know. He played his college football at a couple of different schools before making the jump to the professional ranks. It’s always interesting to see how players from different backgrounds find their way onto a professional team, especially when they weren’t expected to be there in the first place.
His story is a bit different from many others who get a lot of attention right out of college. He wasn't one of those players whose name was called during the annual draft. Instead, he joined the Vikings as what they call an undrafted free agent, which means he signed with the team after the draft was over. This path, while maybe not as glamorous as being a first-round pick, often shows a lot about a player's character and their desire to make it. It certainly seems to be the case with Ivan Pace Jr., who has shown a real drive to perform at a high level.
For someone who wasn't drafted, Ivan Pace Jr. has certainly made his presence felt on the field. He’s been able to get involved in games and contribute to his team's efforts, which is pretty impressive for a rookie, actually. His journey from being a college player to a professional one, particularly given the way he got there, is something that a lot of people find quite inspiring. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the biggest opportunities come when you least expect them, and it's up to you to grab them.
Who is Ivan Pace Jr.? - Personal Details
Getting to know a bit about a player often helps us understand their journey better. Ivan Pace Jr. has a background that shows a steady progression through the ranks of football, starting from his high school days. He's a product of Colerain High School, which is a pretty well-known place for developing football talent. From there, he moved on to play college football, taking a couple of different stops along the way before landing with the Vikings. It's a fairly typical path for many athletes, yet each player's story has its own unique twists and turns.
His physical attributes are also a part of his story. He stands at 5 feet 11 inches, which is about 1.78 meters, and he weighs 231 pounds, which is around 105 kilograms. These numbers give you a picture of his build, which is, you know, quite solid for a linebacker. Players in his position need to be both quick and strong, and his measurements suggest he has the kind of frame that helps him do his job on the field. It’s interesting how these physical details combine with a player's skills to create their overall presence in the game.
He was born on December 16, 2000, so he’s still quite young for someone playing professional football. This means he has a lot of time to grow and develop even further in his career. It’s always exciting to watch younger players as they get more experience and refine their abilities. For Ivan Pace Jr., being an undrafted player who has already made an impact means that his future could be very bright, assuming he continues to work hard and improve. It’s a pretty exciting prospect, actually, for fans to watch his career unfold.
| Full Name | Ivan Pace Jr. |
| Born | December 16, 2000 |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 231 lbs (105 kgs) |
| College | Miami (OH), Cincinnati |
| Position | Linebacker (LB) / Edge Rusher |
| Current Team | Minnesota Vikings |
What Makes Ivan Pace Jr. Stand Out?
So, what exactly is it about Ivan Pace Jr. that makes him noticeable on the football field? Well, his playing style and some of his physical gifts really help him get the job done. He's known for having a really powerful lower body, which means his legs and hips are quite strong. This strength is super important for a linebacker because it helps him push through blocks, tackle opponents, and generally be a force in the middle of the action. It's a key part of what makes him effective, you know, in those close-quarter situations.
Another thing that stands out about his game is a move he uses called a "spin move." This is a pretty slick technique where he can quickly turn his body to get around a blocker or an opponent. It allows him to escape from tight spots and get to the ball carrier or the quarterback, which is, like, a really valuable skill for someone playing his position. It shows a certain level of agility and quick thinking, which are both very helpful when things are moving fast on the field. This move, in a way, gives him an edge when trying to make a play.
He also has what many people call a "good motor." This basically means he plays with a lot of energy and doesn't stop trying. He's always moving, always pursuing the ball, and always giving his best effort, even when a play seems to be going nowhere. This kind of relentless effort is something coaches really appreciate because it means he's always in the mix, always trying to make something happen. It’s a quality that can’t really be taught, and it’s a big part of why he’s been able to find success, especially as a rookie.
However, like any player, there are areas where Ivan Pace Jr. can still improve. The information suggests he needs to work on his hand use and his overall strength. Hand use refers to how he uses his hands to get off blocks or to tackle effectively. Improving this can make him even more disruptive. As for strength, while he has a powerful lower body, getting stronger overall can help him compete even better against bigger, more experienced players. These are, you know, fairly common areas for young players to focus on, and continued work here could make him an even more formidable presence.
How Did Ivan Pace Jr. Get to the Vikings?
The path to the professional league can be quite varied for football players, and for Ivan Pace Jr., it involved a bit of a wait on draft day. After the 2023 NFL draft concluded, and his name wasn't called, the Minnesota Vikings decided to sign him as an undrafted free agent. This is a common way for teams to bring in players they believe have potential but might have been overlooked for various reasons during the draft itself. It's a big opportunity for players like Ivan Pace Jr. to prove they belong, you know, on a professional roster.
It's worth remembering that being undrafted doesn't mean a player isn't talented. In fact, Ivan Pace Jr. was actually ranked 153rd on what they call the "industry consensus draft" list. This means that many experts and scouts thought he was a player who should have been picked somewhere in the middle rounds of the draft. So, while he wasn't officially drafted, he was certainly on the radar of many people in the football world. It just goes to show that the draft process can be a bit unpredictable, and sometimes, good players slip through the cracks.
His signing with the Vikings happened on April 29, 2023, which must have been a day filled with mixed feelings for him. On one hand, not being drafted could be frustrating, as the text mentions. On the other hand, getting an immediate chance with a professional team like the Vikings is a huge win. It means a team saw enough in him to offer him a spot, even without the formal draft selection. This moment marked the start of his professional career, and it set the stage for him to show what he could do in the big league, which he certainly did.
Interestingly, the text also mentions that he was on the Packers' practice squad at some point. This piece of information, while brief, suggests that other teams also recognized his abilities, even if it was for a practice squad role. It highlights that his talent was seen by more than just the Vikings, indicating a broader recognition of his potential. It's a pretty common part of the professional football world, actually, for players to move between teams or practice squads as they try to find their permanent place.
Ivan Pace Jr.'s College Days - A Journey
Before he made his way to the professional ranks, Ivan Pace Jr. had a college football career that saw him play for two different universities. He started out at Miami (OH), where he spent three seasons. This is where he first really began to show what he could do on the football field at a higher level. Playing college football is a big step up from high school, and it’s where players really hone their skills and get ready for what might come next. His time there was, you know, a very important part of his development as a player.
After his time at Miami (OH), Ivan Pace Jr. made a move to Cincinnati in 2021. This transfer was a significant step in his college journey, and it allowed him to reunite with his younger brother, Deshawn Pace, who was also playing at UC. Playing alongside a family member can be a really special experience, and it probably added an extra layer of motivation and comfort for him. This kind of personal connection can sometimes make a big difference in how a player performs, as they have that familiar support system right there with them on the team.
During his junior year in 2021, while at Cincinnati, Ivan Pace Jr. really stood out. He played in 13 games that season and was on the field for a lot of plays, specifically 833 snaps. This shows that he was a very active and important part of his team’s defense. When a player is on the field for that many plays, it means the coaches trust him and rely on him to make contributions. It’s a clear sign of how valuable he was to his college team during that time.
His performance in 2021 was quite impressive, too. He recorded a solid 85 tackles and also contributed with 33 assists. Beyond that, he made 57 "stops," which is a term used to describe plays where a defender prevents the offense from gaining significant yardage. These numbers show that he was consistently around the ball and making plays to help his team. For a college player, these are, you know, pretty strong statistics that highlight his ability to find the ball and bring down opponents, which is exactly what you want from a linebacker.
What About Ivan Pace Jr.'s Skills on the Field?
When we look at what Ivan Pace Jr. brings to the football field, it's clear he has a set of skills that make him a valuable asset. As mentioned, he’s a linebacker, but he also has experience as an edge rusher. This means he’s versatile enough to play both closer to the middle of the field, where linebackers typically operate, and also on the outside, where he can try to get to the quarterback. This ability to play different roles makes him a flexible player for a defensive coordinator, which is, you know, a pretty good thing to have on a team.
His powerful lower body, as we talked about, is a real asset. It gives him a strong base to work from, allowing him to absorb hits and deliver powerful tackles. This kind of strength is really important in the physical game of football, especially for someone who is often in the thick of the action. It helps him maintain balance and drive through contact, which is essential for making effective plays against strong offensive players. It’s a foundational part of his game, really.
The spin move he uses is another example of his on-field abilities. This isn't just about strength; it's about quickness and agility. Being able to change direction rapidly and slip past blockers is a skill that takes a lot of practice and natural athletic ability. It allows him to create space for himself and get into position to make a tackle or pressure the quarterback, even when he seems to be blocked. It’s a very dynamic move that adds an exciting element to his play, you know, when you watch him.
And then there's his "motor," which speaks to his relentless effort. This means he's always playing hard, from the start of a play until the whistle blows. He chases down ball carriers, fights through blocks, and generally gives it his all on every snap. This kind of effort can sometimes make the difference between a big play for the offense and a stop for the defense. It’s a quality that coaches love because it shows a player's dedication and desire to succeed, and it can be quite infectious for the rest of the team.
While his hand use and overall strength are areas for improvement, as the text notes, these are things that can be worked on with coaching and dedication. For a young player, having a solid foundation of natural talent and a strong work ethic means that these areas are likely to get better over time. It’s a pretty common process for players to refine their techniques as they gain more experience in the professional league. So, you know, there’s a lot of room for him to grow even more.
Ivan Pace Jr. in the NFL - Early Impact
For an undrafted rookie, Ivan Pace Jr. made a remarkable impression right from the start of his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings. The text tells us that he got onto the field for all seventeen games in his first season. This is a big deal for any player, but especially for someone who wasn't drafted. It shows that the coaching staff saw him as a reliable and important part of the team's defense, even in his very first year. Playing in every game is, you know, a sign of durability and consistent performance.
He quickly found himself in a key role, even being tasked with responsibilities against teams like the Detroit Lions, whose offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, is mentioned as a significant figure. This suggests that the Vikings had a lot of trust in Ivan Pace Jr. to handle important assignments against strong opponents. Being given a key role, especially as a rookie, indicates that he was able to quickly understand the team's schemes and execute them effectively on the field. It’s a pretty strong vote of confidence from the coaching staff, actually.
One specific highlight mentioned is his play against the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurts, in a Week 2 showdown. Ivan Pace Jr. was able to keep Hurts from going anywhere, making a sack near the line of scrimmage. This kind of play, bringing down a top quarterback, really shows his ability to make a significant impact in a big game. It's the sort of moment that gets people talking and helps a player establish themselves in the league. For a rookie, making a play like that early in the season is, you know, a clear sign of his potential.
His early performance also put him in some pretty exclusive company. He became only the second undrafted rookie in Vikings history, following Don Hultz in 1963, to start at least 10 games, record 2.0 sacks, and get an interception. To be among such a small group of players, especially from such a long history of the team, is a truly remarkable achievement. It speaks volumes about his immediate contribution and how quickly he adapted to the professional game. It’s a rather rare accomplishment, in some respects, for someone in his position.
Furthermore, he was the first player since Fred Wakefield, a defensive end, to achieve those specific stats (at least 10 starts, 2.0 sacks, and an interception) as an undrafted rookie. This adds another layer to his impressive debut season. It highlights that his combination of starting games, getting sacks, and making interceptions is something that doesn't happen often for players who enter the league without being drafted. It really shows how much of a surprise and a success his first year was, you know, for the Vikings and for him personally.
Looking at Ivan Pace Jr.'s Career Numbers
To get a full picture of Ivan Pace Jr.'s contributions, it's helpful to look at his complete career statistics in the NFL. These numbers include things like scoring, rushing, defensive, and receiving stats, giving a comprehensive view of his on-field activities. While he primarily plays on defense, seeing all the stats helps confirm his role and how he contributes to the team's overall performance. It’s a way to measure his impact in a very objective sense, you know, by the numbers.
His college stats, particularly from his time at Cincinnati and Miami (OH), also provide insight into his development. The text mentions "weighted career" stats from these colleges, which suggests a way of combining his performance from both schools to get a clearer overall picture of his college output. This helps show how he progressed and what kind of player he was before he even thought about turning professional. It’s a good way to track his growth as an athlete, actually, from one level to the next.
Specifically, during his junior year at Cincinnati in 2021, his numbers were quite strong. He played in 13 games and was involved in 833 snaps, which we mentioned earlier. This significant playtime led to some impressive tackle numbers: 85 solo tackles and 33 assists. These figures indicate that he was consistently making plays and getting to the ball carrier. For a linebacker, these are, you know, really good numbers that show his ability to be a central figure in stopping the opposing offense.
Beyond just tackles, he also recorded 57 "stops" in that same 2021 season. As we discussed, a stop means he prevented the offense from gaining much ground, which is a crucial part of defensive play. This statistic further emphasizes his effectiveness in limiting offensive progress. It’s not just about making the tackle, but making it in a way that truly impacts the play. These kinds of detailed stats really help illustrate the kind of impact Ivan Pace Jr. was having even before he joined the professional ranks.
The fact that he was ranked 153rd on the industry consensus draft board, even though he went undrafted, also gives context to his professional stats. It shows that many evaluators believed he had the talent to be a drafted player. His subsequent performance in the NFL, particularly his rookie season where he started many games and made significant plays, validates that early assessment. It’s a pretty clear example of a player exceeding expectations once he got his chance, you know, in the big league.
So, we've looked at Ivan Pace Jr.'s journey from an undrafted rookie to a key player for the Minnesota Vikings. We covered his background, including his college days at Miami (OH) and Cincinnati, and how he reunited with his brother. We also talked about his physical traits, like his powerful lower body and spin move, along with areas he can improve, such as hand use and strength. His immediate impact in the NFL, playing in all 17 games and making big plays like his sack against Jalen Hurts, really stood out. Finally, we touched on his impressive statistics from both college and his rookie professional season, which put him in rare company for an undrafted player.
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